Brian Wilson Biography

Singer, songwriter, and bassist of the wildly popular band The Beach Boys, American musician Brian Wilson is one of the most recognizable faces in pop music.

Brian Douglas Wilson was born June 20, 1942 in Inglewood, California. Always knowing he wanted to be involved in music, Wilson formed a band along with his brothers Carl Wilson and Dennis Wilson as well as Mike Love and Al Jardine.

Formed in 1960, Wilson’s band was first known as The Pendletones. However, after the release of their first single, “Surfin’,” band promoter Russ Regan officially changed the name to The Beach Boys.

And it only looked up from there. Beginning in 1962, the band scored a series of pop hits such as “Surfin’ USA,” “I Get Around,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” “California Girls,” and many more.

Influences on the band’s distinct style included Chuck Berry, Phil Spector, and The Four Freshmen.

At the same time, Wilson was busy with joint endeavors such as producing. To that end, he was responsible for several records from Glen Campbell. He also earned writing credits during this time for Jan and Dean.

In the late 60s, The Beach Boys rivaled even the Beatles for musical supremacy. However, Wilson and Paul McCartney remained friends through the band rivalry.

By the end of the 60s, however, mounting pressures and the birth of his child caused Wilson to step away as the creative force behind The Beach Boys. With the introduction of cocaine, Wilson sank even further into the background.

Wilson’s downward spiral continued for three years, marked by overindulgence in drugs, food, and self pity. Wilson had a brief resurgence after the intervention of therapist Eugene Landy, but he was soon back to his old ways. Wilson hit rock bottom when he was fired from the band, and Landy’s help was reenlisted.

Wilson was later diagnosed with a schizoaffective disorder, and it was determined that he had also developed tardive dyskinesia from excessive psychotropic drugs, which were prescribed by Landy. Landy was fired, Wilson’s prescription drugs were lowered to a healthier level, and he was well on his way to an amazing recovery.

He even began a solo career in 1988 to mediocre success. June 2004 saw the release of the studio album Getting’ In Over My Head, which featured Eric Clapton and Elton John among others.

Making headlines recently, Wilson was recognized by the Kennedy Center Honors committee on December 2, 2007 for his lifetime contribution to music.

He is set to appear at the Sydney Festival in early 2008.

In his personal life, Wilson married Marilyn Wilson on December 7, 1964. They had two children before divorcing in 1964. He didn’t remarry until 1995 to Melinda Ledbetter. They have three children and are currently still together.

Interestingly, he is deaf in his right ear.